@inproceedings{b88856e556c04df3821dbbec059f7264,
title = "A community based approach for sustainable off-grid PV systems in developing countries",
abstract = "The energy requirements of developing countries underpin progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Rural electrification is acknowledged as key to providing a source of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Many planners and decision makers agree that the off-grid PV system has the potential to become a valued and straightforward source of electricity for remote rural communities. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to realize the potential of PV as a sustainable solution. These challenges are illustrated and highlighted by many reported cases of poor sustainability/longevity of PV installation in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper reviews the sustainability of off-grid renewable energy deployments in sub-Saharan Africa along with recent attempts to define sustainable energy frameworks. The specific case of off-grid PV systems for improved educational and health facilities are considered and a community based approach for improved sustainability is proposed. Case studies illustrating practical implementation of this approach in Gambia and Malawi are described.",
keywords = "sustainable energy, distributed energy , off-grid, renewable energy, community based approach , developing countries",
author = "D. Frame and K. Tembo and Dolan, {M. J.} and Strachan, {S. M.} and Ault, {G. W.}",
year = "2011",
doi = "10.1109/PES.2011.6039593",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781457710018",
series = "IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting PESGM",
publisher = "IEEE",
booktitle = "2011 IEEE power and energy society general meeting",
note = "General Meeting of the IEEE-Power-and-Energy-Society (PES) ; Conference date: 24-07-2011 Through 28-07-2011",
}
